June 2025

Launching a Generation of National Security Leaders

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) continues its pivotal role in shaping future national security leaders by administering the National Nuclear Security Administration Graduate Fellowship Program (NGFP). As the 30th class of fellows beings their journey, two NGFP alumni—Tom Gray and Alexander Godinez-Robinson—now lead the program, bringing firsthand experience and renewed vision. With over 800 alumni, NGFP has become a key launchpad for public service careers in nuclear security, nonproliferation, and emergency response. Read more.  

Evaluating the Performance of Ductile Phase Toughened Tungsten Under the Simulated Fusion Environment

PNNL researchers have assessed the resilience of a tungsten heavy alloy (90W-7Ni-3Fe) under simulated fusion reactor conditions. Utilizing advanced transmission electron microscopy techniques, the researchers observed significant cavity formation along interphase boundaries, indicating potential degradation in material toughness due to irradiation. These findings underscore the necessity for further mechanical testing to determine the alloy's suitability as a plasma-facing material in fusion energy applications. Read more.  

Ion Behavior Near Interfaces Affects Aggregation

Researchers from the Ion Dynamics in Radioactive Environments and Materials (IDREAM) Energy Frontier Research Center, a PNNL-led partnership including multiple national labs and universities, found that increasing ion concentrations in solution unexpectedly slows the rate of nanoparticle aggregation in boehmite suspensions. This behavior, driven by molecular-level ion interactions at particle surfaces, challenges classical theories and highlights the role of solution chemistry in particle stability. The findings are especially important for understanding and improving the processing of radioactive tank waste—such as that at the Hanford Site. Read more.  

Using Plasma Color to Predict Weld Quality

PNNL researchers discovered that the color and composition of light emitted during welding—known as plasma emissions—can be used to predict the chemical makeup of the weld in near real-time. This technique could enhance quality control for welding multicomponent alloys, which are important in structures like nuclear reactors. This findings support future integration of machine learning for autonomous monitoring in advanced manufacturing. Read more.  

Early Career Researchers Receive High Energy Physics Awards

PNNL researchers Erik Lentz and Christian Boutan received Department of Energy (DOE) awards to advance quantum-enabled research in the search for dark matter axions, a key topic in high energy physics. Their projects aim to improve the sensitivity of axion detectors by applying quantum entanglement and superconducting amplifiers in high magnetic fields. This work expands PNNL's role in fundamental physics and brings axion search capabilities to the laboratory's campus for the first time. Read more.

PNNL and Partners Exhibit the Latest Energy Research at 2025 ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit

PNNL highlighted eight cutting-edge projects at the 2025 ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit, including advanced manufacturing of tungsten alloys for fusion power. The showcased innovations spanned critical areas such as AI-driven traffic systems, subsurface imaging for grid reliability, and new approaches to mineral recovery. These projects underscore PNNL's leadership in accelerating energy solutions through interdisciplinary research and strategic partnerships. Read more.

Nuclear Career Opportunities Across PNNL Research and Operations Missions

Post Doctorate Research Associate - Material Scientist, Antifouling Materials. Apply by June 9. Req ID: 10675
Nuclear Operations Technician 3. Apply by June 10. Req ID: 10706
NSDD Maintenance Program Manager 3. Apply by June 13. Req ID: 10707
Maintenance Program Manager. Apply by June 13. Req ID: 10708
Masters Intern - Reactor Technologies. Apply by June 16. Req ID: 10715
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Director. Apply by June 16. Req ID: 10660

See full details on these and additional opportunities on the Careers website; search for “nuclear.” Join our Talent Community and upload your resume to receive updates on future PNNL job postings.

PNNL's multidisciplinary expertise in nuclear science provides solutions to some of the world’s most complex environmental, radiological, and national security challenges.

Nuclear@PNNL gives readers a firsthand look at PNNL's focus on nuclear materials behavior, chemistry, forensics, and processing to advance nuclear energy, resolve legacy waste, and support national security. Each issue highlights the expertise of our researchers, their contributions to the nuclear mission space, and our state-of-the-art research facilities where discoveries and advancements are made.

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Pacific Northwest National Laboratory draws on its distinguishing strengths in chemistry, Earth sciences, biology and data science to advance scientific knowledge and address challenges in energy resiliency and national security. Founded in 1965, PNNL is operated by Battelle and supported by the Office of Science of the U.S. Department of Energy. The Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information about PNNL, visit PNNL's News Center. Follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

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